Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-05-20
WHAT BLAINE MAY DO.
A Trlumphsl Tour Through Ireland-Pat-
rick Ford's Mysterious Visit.

A Trlumphal Tour Through Ireland-Pat-
rick FOrd's Mysterious Visit.
NEW YORK, May ia special from
Augusta, Me-, to the World, says: While
Mr.. Blaine is enjoying change of scene
across the water he will not remain idle.
Soon after his arrival in England, it is
stated by intimate friends here, Mr.. Blaine
will visit Gladstone and put himself in CO.
operation with the great leader of the
Home Rule party.
Undoubtedly afterwards he will, as one
of the most conspicuous men in America,
be asked to speak ut dinners, and also,
perhaps, at Home Rule meetings. These
invitations he will accept. The more rad
zeal his. views, the more attention his
speeches will attract in the English press
and the more potent, certainly, will be the
effect ON this side of the water.
From England, the "Plumed Knight"
will take pilgrimage to Ireland. If it
can be arranged Parnell will accompany
him, and the two statesmen-if the plan
should be carried Out--will receive OvatiOns
from the people, address public meetings,
and create such an enthusiasm rs no Amer.
lean citizen has yet received in Ireland.
Mr.. Blaine will have secured the endorse
ment of Gladstone, and preceded by this,
his trip through Ireland would he grand
triumphal tour, with warm welcome on
every hand. Already the Maine statesman
ia said to be the best known American in
Ireland.
1t is said by people here who have had
Mr. Blaine'S confidence, that for some time
the Maine statesman has been in confer
ence with prominent lTishmen. This
brings to mind the mysterious visit of
Patrick Ford, editor of the Irish World, to
Augusta last July. Mr.. Ford made fly
ing visit and was driven directly from the
train to the Augusta House, where he re-
fused to register or give his name. Soon
after his arrival Mr.. Blaine drove up in his
carriage and took Mr. Ford on long drive
down the river to HallOwcll. On their re-
turn they were clOSetcd together in Mr..
Ford's room for several hours, and the lat
ter lett suddenly on the midnight train.
1t is saId that Mr.. Blaine has had other
interviews with Mr. Ford, and that he has
seen the editors Of the rest of the Irish
newspapers. His famous speech III Port
land last summer, which was severely
commented on by the English press. and
his record Us Secretary of State touching
upon English oppression, have already
gained him favor with the Irish Americans.
Joseph Manley, Governor BOdwell, and
his other faithful followers. who are re-
ported to be getting ready to accompany
Mr.. Blaine. will certainly accompany him.
To Manley will be intruSted the details of
the trip. as usual. Apart from
any question OF partisan advantage
rs above outlined from those who
are not altogether friendly to Mr.. Blaine
here, the plan is striking one. All
America is interested in the great Parlia.
mentary contest going on in our mother
country, and Mr.. Gladstone himself has
appealed To the United States for sympa-
thy and encouragement in his great fight.
There would, therefore, be no imprOpricty
in Mr.. Gladstone calling upon perhaps the
most eloquent, and certainly the most
prominent citizen of the United States Ia
aid in an issue which is of such Importance
to so many of his fellow citizens.